Photo: Pierre-Alban Pancrazi via Getty Images
Did you know that there is a fish that can fly? Yes, you read that correctly.
Well, technically it glides but that's still pretty awesome!
The flying fish is a unique creature that can propel itself out of the water and glide through the air.
This amazing fish in the air is always a spectacular sight, and today it remains a popular subject of study among marine biologists.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the flying fish and learn more about its fascinating attributes and behavior!
Description and Appearance
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The flying fish is a small, slim creature with large wing-like fins. It has a long, forked tail that it uses to propel itself out of the water.
When in flight, the flying fish can reach speeds of up to 37 miles per hour!
Its body is covered in silver scales, and its eyes are large and protruding.
The flying fish typically ranges in size from six to twelve inches long.
Diet
The flying fish is mostly a carnivore, and its diet consists mainly of small crustaceans and other fish.
It will also eat plankton and other small floating organisms. They will hunt in schools, using their large eyes to spot prey from a distance.
When they are ready to eat, they will open their mouths and quickly swim towards their target.
The flying fish is a fast and agile swimmer, and it uses these same skills to avoid predators.
However, no matter how carnivorous they may be, some of the animals that prey on the flying fish include dolphins, tuna, billfish, and sharks.
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Gage Beasley's Flying Fish Soft Stuffed Plush Toy
Reproduction
The flying fish typically spawns in the late spring or early summer.
Females lay their eggs in batches of two hundred to four thousand eggs, which are then fertilized by the males.
The eggs hatch in about four days, and the young fish stay near the surface of the water where there is more food.
As they grow older, they will move to deeper waters.
Distribution & Habitat
The flying fish is found in temperate and tropical waters all around the world.
It is most commonly seen near the surface of the water, where it glides in search of prey.
However, it can also be found at depths of up to two hundred feet.
The flying fish is a migratory species, and it can be found in both coastal and open ocean habitats.
It is commonly seen near coral reefs, mangroves, and other estuarine environments.
One fun fact is that some flying fish have been known to travel as far as sixty miles from their home territory!
This is most likely in response to changes in water temperature or the availability of food.
Conservation
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The flying fish is not considered to be endangered or threatened.
However, it is sometimes caught as a bycatch by commercial fishing operations.
It is also a favored food source for dolphins, sharks, and birds of prey. Recreational anglers also see the flying fish as a great bait source for catching pelagic species.
But overall the flying fish populations appear to be healthy and stable!
Other Interesting Facts
- The flying fish is not the only fish that can glide through the air; there are other species, such as the sailfish and marlin, that can leap out of the water and glide for short distances.
- It is believed to have evolved its gliding ability as a way to escape predators or to travel more quickly to new feeding grounds.
- They can glide for distances up to 650 feet, and can stay in the air for up to forty-five seconds! That's a long time out of the water!
- The flying fish is the national dish of Barbados and is usually served fried or cooked in a stew.
Final Thoughts
The flying fish is a truly amazing creature that can propel itself out of the water and glide through the air. It is a popular subject of study among marine biologists, and its gliding ability remains a mystery to scientists. It is an interesting fish to watch in flight, and it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful creatures in the sea. If you ever have the chance to see a flying fish in person, be sure to take the opportunity! They are truly a sight to behold.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers!
~GB
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